Close call for Middleton day care

MIDDLETON (AP) - Parents of children who attend a Middleton day care center are probably holding them a little closer Friday.

Storms packing high winds moved through the area Thursday, toppling trees and power lines. About two hours after 15 children were playing in the back yard at Little Cottage Christian Child Care center, a 50-foot section from a maple tree came crashing down, crushing toys and destroying the children's garden. The children were safe inside the center, napping or listening to stories.

Owners evacuated the center and closed it after parents picked up their children. Jeanne Meuer says the center could reopen Tuesday, pending approval from the state.

One teacher tells the State Journal the children's eyes were as big as light bulbs when they saw what had happened.